21 March every year is known as World Down Syndrome Day, a day to sensitise everyone about Down Syndrome and to highlight the meaningful contributions people with Down Syndrome make to society.
The celebrations were spearheaded by the Grenada Down Syndrome Association and the Ministry of Education’s Special and Inclusive Education Unit.
Down Syndrome advocate Tim Harris of Albuquerque, New Mexico, joined Grenada in its celebration.
Harris is an entrepreneur, author, motivational speaker, and founder of Tim’s Big Heart Foundation, which empowers families to imagine and create a more expansive future for their children with disabilities. He was accompanied by his father, Keith.
On 19 March, Harris, alongside his father, visited the Grenada School for Special Education in the Limes, St George, where he read from, signed and gifted copies of his book, The Book of Hugs, to students and others at the school. Students were thrilled to receive his book and meet him in person.
On 20 March, Harris paid a courtesy visit to the Minister for Education Sen. the Hon. David Andrew, where he got a chance to talk about his work and present the minister with copies of his book. He also attended the district 6, 50th Anniversary of Independence Celebration and Cultural Show at Bruce Street Mall in St George’s where he did a book reading and enjoyed the performances and exhibition.
On 21 March, World Down Syndrome Day, Harris and his dad presented copies of his book to the St
Andrew’s School for Special Education and to the principal and students at the Victoria School for Special Education. Both principals expressed appreciation for the donation.
To end the week of activities Tim Harris participated in a motorcade for awareness on 22 March.
Ministry of Education